GERRY MODDEJONGE, QMI Agency

Eastern Washington has been a bit of a factory for Edmonton Eskimos defensive linemen, now the CFL club is checking out its offensive potential.

The Eskimos signed import quarterback Matt Nichols to a practice roster agreement, reuniting the four-year starter with friend and former teammate Greg Peach.

"It's nice being up here, I've got some guys showing me the ropes as far as coming to a new country and everything," said the six-foot-two, 225-pound Nichols who grew up in Cottonwood, CA. "I know a couple guys up here who are actually from the same town that Ricky Ray's from and I met him at a golf course this last spring, so it's kind of funny I got to talk to him a little bit and then ended up coming here."

Nichols attended training camp with the Dallas Cowboys before being released on Aug. 19.

"It is a journey and I was very excited to have the opportunity in Dallas," said Nichols, who worked out for the Eskimos a week and a half ago. "It felt like you don't totally get a chance when you're the fourth quarterback in an NFL camp and I was definitely looking for somewhere to play.

"I'm basically just trying to learn the offence and hopefully get a chance to make the team next year."

Nichols is the third Eastern Washington player on the Eskimos roster, along with Peach and defensive tackle Dario Romero.

"He's a great player. I was his roommate for three years," Peach said. "He broke all the records for our team and broke Big Sky records, conference records and everything and I think some national records too."